Lexical Summary proaitiaomai: To accuse beforehand, to make a prior accusation Original Word: προαιτιάομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to accuse beforehandFrom pro and a derivative of aitia; to accuse already, i.e. Previously charge -- prove before. see GREEK pro see GREEK aitia NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and a derivation of aitia Definition to accuse beforehand NASB Translation already charged (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4256: αἴτιάομαι[αἴτιάομαι, : to accuse, bring a charge against; ἠτιασάμεθα is a various reading in Romans 3:9 for the προῃτιασάμεθα of the printed texts. (Proverbs 19:3; Sir. 29:5; frequent in secular writings) Synonym: see κατηγορέω.] STRONGS NT 4256: προαιτιάομαιπροαιτιάομαι, προαιτωμαι: 1 aorist 1 person plural προῃτιασάμεθα; to bring a charge against previously (i. e. in what has previously been said): τινα followed by an infinitive indicating the charge, Romans 3:9; where the prefix προ( makes reference to Romans 1:18-31; Romans 2:1-5, 17-29. Not found elsewhere. Strong’s Greek 4256 – proaitiaomai Contextual Placement in Romans 3:9 The single New Testament occurrence appears in Romans 3:9, where Paul concludes his wide-ranging indictment of humanity. After surveying the godlessness of Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) and the hypocrisy of self-confident Jews (Romans 2:1-29), he writes, “For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin” (Berean Standard Bible). The verb encapsulates the final step in Paul’s legal case: the formal presentation of an accusation that has been thoroughly substantiated by prior evidence. Legal Metaphor in Pauline Argumentation Paul frequently employs courtroom imagery (Romans 3:19-20; 8:33-34). Here the verb proaitiaomai functions as the moment when the prosecutor states the indictment already proven. The perfective aspect conveyed by the pre- prefix underscores that the charge is not hypothetical but previously demonstrated and now officially registered. This sets the stage for Romans 3:21-26, where the gospel provides God’s righteous remedy. Universal Scope of Sin By joining “Jews and Greeks,” Paul unifies humanity in guilt. The word communicates that neither covenant privilege nor cultural achievement provides exemption. The doctrine of total depravity rests on this declaration (cf. Psalms 14:1-3; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10-18). The universality of the charge magnifies the universal sufficiency of Christ’s atonement (Romans 3:22, 3:24). Old Testament Resonance The prophetic tradition often summoned Israel to court-like hearings (Isaiah 1:18; Micah 6:1-2). Paul’s single use of proaitiaomai echoes these covenant lawsuits while extending them to the Gentile world. Thus Romans 3 presents Scripture as a unified testimony: the same God who judges in the Tanakh also judges in the Gospel era, and He offers the same gracious provision foreshadowed in sacrificial types. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Greco-Roman law, preliminary accusations were lodged before formal trial proceedings. By adopting this forensic vocabulary, Paul addresses an audience familiar with both Jewish synagogue disputation and Roman legal customs. His word choice bridges those worlds, establishing common ground for the epistle’s mixed congregation. Ministerial Significance 1. Evangelistic Clarity – The preacher must, like Paul, set forth the divine indictment before proclaiming justification by faith (Romans 3:28). Homiletical Themes • The Necessity of the Gospel – No group escapes the prior accusation. Conclusion Though appearing only once, Strong’s Greek 4256 sharpens the forensic structure of Romans, validates the unity of Scriptural revelation regarding sin, and equips the church to proclaim a gospel that addresses every person without distinction. |
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